New 937cc Ducati Supersport Range unveiled at Intermot

113hp | S model gets fully adjustable Ohlins and up/down quickshift

At the Cologne motorcycle fair, Ducati CEO Claudio Domenicali took to the stage to present the Ducati SuperSport, the company’s latest sport road bike.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

“I’m extremely proud to be able to reveal the latest Ducati 2017 bikes, starting with the SuperSport”, stated CEO Claudio Domenicali at the bike’s unveiling.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

“After sharing a sneak peek with the Ducatista community at WDW 2016, we’re ready to present the bike to the thousands of enthusiasts who had eagerly awaited a sport bike capable of ensuring both fun and comfort, even in everyday riding situations. Expert riders will appreciate the true sports personality of the SuperSport, its excellent road performance and evident penchant for journeying and everyday use.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

“Riders approaching the Ducati sports world for the first time will discover versatility, easy handling and, above all, the very essence of sports riding as Ducati sees it.” Mr. Domenicali then looked ahead to EICMA 2016: “next month, during the Ducati World Première – to be held on 7 November and streamed live across the globe – we’ll reveal the other bikes being launched by Ducati this coming year, thus completing the range and, we can confidently say, meeting many of the needs and wants of the riders in our community and those who, thanks to these latest machines, will soon be joining it”.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

The Ducati SuperSport is designed for those who want a sport-inspired bike that still provides comfort and easy handling on everyday roads. A fun bike that’s versatile and accessible, with the style and soul of a true Ducati thoroughbred.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

A lean and mean road machine with a decidedly approachable feel thanks to easy handling, the confidence-inspiring Ducati Safety Pack (Bosch ABS + Ducati Traction Control), the awesome price-quality ratio of the equipment and the long maintenance intervals.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

Powering the SuperSport is a twin-cylinder 937 cm³ Testastretta 11° engine, delivering 113 hp and a full yet linear torque curve. Thanks to the three Riding Modes (Sport, Touring and Urban), the SuperSport’s temperament can be adapted to maximise enjoyment whatever the riding conditions.

2017 Ducati Supersport

Agile on city streets, comfortable on the motorway and superlative on twisting country roads, the SuperSport is super-versatile. Relaxed rider and passenger positions, good airflow deflection from the height-adjustable screen and the mileage provided by the 16-litre fuel tank also make the new Ducati SuperSport a cool companion on medium-distance rides.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

The SuperSport range includes a SuperSport S version featuring fully adjustable Öhlins suspension, the Ducati Quick Shift up/down system and a rear seat cover: the latter are also available as accessories for the SuperSport.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

The expected delivery to Australia and New Zealand is March 2017 and RRP will be announced when finalised.

For the SuperSport, Ducati Performance has come up with a series of individually available packages and accessories to bring out the bike’s full versatility and customise it to suit individual taste. Both SuperSport versions can be enhanced with the Sport and Touring packages, which can also be mounted together.

Design

A front-on look shows it has a distinct ‘family feel’ with the Panigale superbike. In addition to the highly distinctive LED Daytime Running Lights (DRL), the headlight’s low and high beam parabolas are positioned in the shadows of the assembly, almost hiding them from direct frontal view: just like those mounted on the top Ducati sports models.

Low-set, streamlined and assertive, the SuperSport nose fairing flows naturally into the steel fuel tank structure, carrying the colour scheme all the way into the well-designed cockpit that houses the LCD instrument panel. A sports-style Plexiglas screen with two different height settings ensures aerodynamically efficient airflow protection.

2017 Ducati Supersport

Seen side-on, the lines, proportions and volumes are typical of Ducati sports bikes, with the streamlined tail and sculpted tank playing a pivotal role. The latter is coupled to both the main and nose fairings by beefy buttresses that enclose the Trellis frame. Cut to reveal exhaust manifold and engine, the lower fairing is designed to be easy on the eye, a must on a Ducati SuperSport.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

Ducati’s scrupulous attention to technical components is also seen in the compact, sports-style stacked dual-pipe side muffler. Shaping and low-slung design bring out the dynamism of the tail, leaving the rear wheel Y-spokes in clear view and providing plenty of room for side panniers (available as accessories).

2017 Ducati Supersport S

The single seat, the rider and passenger areas of which are outlined by contrasting stitching and just a hint of a rider “backrest”, is comfortable for daily use yet also highly suited to sports riding. Seen from above, the tank and nose fairing form, together with seat shaping, that unmistakeable silhouette shared by the sportiest Ducati motorcycles.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

Ergonomics

Utmost attention to the ergonomic triangle, aerodynamic protection and the rider’s freedom of movement has resulted in comfort, versatility and jaw-dropping sports handling. The rider zone of the one-piece seat is just 810 mm off the ground, allowing feet to be placed firmly on the ground. Handlebar height does not place undue strain on the wrists and foot peg positioning prevents knees becoming tired while maximising control. The height-adjustable Plexiglas screen can be set to two different positions over 50 mm of travel, ensuring adequate airflow protection even at motorway speeds; enhanced protection can be had by fitting the larger Plexiglas touring screen, available as an accessory. Comfortably separated rider and passenger footpegs and a snugly compact lateral silencer ensure maximum freedom of movement.

The benefits of the riding position are evident during both everyday and medium-length journeys and also ensure fun-packed sports riding.

The passenger section of the seat is well separated from the footpegs and features comfy padding. Long-distance comfort levels can be given a further boost by choosing a seat with extra padding from the broad accessory range; the latter also offers external passenger grab rails that give a more ergonomic grip compared to the standard under-seat ones.

Engine

The SuperSport is powered by a specially adapted version of the already renowned and appreciated 937 cm3 twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta 11°. Euro 4-rated, it has four valves per cylinder, a secondary air system, liquid cooling, a 12.6:1 compression ratio and bore and stroke measurements of 94 and 67.5 mm respectively. Engine output amounts to a huge 113 hp at 9,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 96.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm.

On the SuperSport, the Testastretta 11° engine features crankcase and cylinder heads that have been redesigned to make the power unit a fully stressed part of the frame; further modifications include re-routing of the water through the heads and a specifically designed alternator cover to allow installation of the new gear sensor. Large 53 mm throttle bodies – smoothly controlled by the full Ride-by-Wire system – allow the engine to gulp in the air-fuel mix. Moreover, this engine also features unprecedented control and injection systems.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

Featuring ducts with an external diameter of 54 mm, the exhaust system has a 2-1-2 layout in which a lower pre-silencer is connected to a lateral silencer with two extremely compact stacked pipes.

Maintenance is as worry-free as it gets: the twin-cylinder engine has a service interval of 15,000 km (9,000 miles) or 12 months, with valve play inspection every 30,000 km (18,000 miles).

Engine power is transmitted via a 6-speed gearbox with a new gear sensor. This means bikes in the SuperSport range can be equipped with the cutting-edge Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down unit, offered as standard on the SuperSport S series and available as an accessory for the SuperSport.

Featuring low-effort wire control, the clutch is of the oil-bath slipper type. The slipper function cuts in when the rear wheel exerts back-torque, reducing pressure on the discs to ensure vehicle stability during the aggressive downshifting that is typical of competitive riding.

Power and torque curves

With a torque curve that creates pulling power right across the rev range, the twin-cylinder Ducati Testastretta 11° engine offers a secure response to every twist of the throttle: a must on a bike mainly intended for road use.

At 3,000 rpm, some 80% of maximum torque is already at the rider’s fingertips: higher revs are met with a decisive, linear increase in torque, peaking at 96.7 Nm at 6,500 rpm. Beyond that threshold the torque curve slopes down gradually yet still remains above 90% with the revs at 9,000 rpm; the maximum power of 113 hp is delivered at around the same point, at 9,000 rpm.

On the road, the Testastretta 11° guarantees plenty of power throughout the rev range, meaning whip-like acceleration out of the corners, fewer gear changes and unparalleled riding enjoyment. Even on the road, riders can make full use of the bike’s 113 hp as the engine gives the reassuring sensation of total vehicle control.

Engine control and injection systems have been tweaked to make the most of the twin-cylinder’s innate characteristics, taking into account the likely usage of the SuperSport. Electronic throttle control ensures precise transmission of the rider’s wrist action to the engine; there follows a smooth, always-certain response that perfectly matches the SuperSport’s immense versatility.

Frame

The SuperSport makes excellent use of new Trellis frame design developments that exploit the engine as a fully stressed element. Both cylinder heads are connected to the main steel frame: the seat sub-frame – again made of steel – is, instead, connected to only the vertical cylinder head. This configuration gives a highly compact, light frame of high torsional rigidity, just perfect for bringing out the SuperSport’s superb dynamic performance. Moreover, this frame-plus-engine load-bearing configuration helps keep wet weight down to around 210 kg.

Combined with a steering geometry that features a 24° rake and 91 mm trail, the 1,478 mm wheelbase gives the SuperSport lightness, excellent handling and superlative drop-in performance, maximising stability on corners and at speed. Those characteristics are also made evident – right from the first ride on the SuperSport – by the choice of rear tyre: the 180/55, in fact, does an impressive job of combining great handling with an optimised contact patch. Frame performance is also brought out by the 48° lean angle, ensuring limitless on-road fun.

Another source of SuperSport flair comes from the smartly designed forged aluminium handlebars, mounted on the top yoke, that leave the fork adjusters in view.

Featuring die cast aluminium supports, the footpegs are patterned to maximise grip. They can, however, be replaced with rubber-lined pegs more suitable for urban riding. Rider footpegs come complete with aluminium heel guards. Passenger pegs are directly connected to the rear sub-frame and can easily be removed to give the bike a racier look. Underneath the seat there is, in addition to the tool kit, a convenient waterproof USB phone charger port.

Suspension

2017 Ducati Supersport S

SuperSport features adjustable suspension and a single-sided die cast swingarm that is light yet extremely rigid, giving the bike a decidedly technical, professional look.

Up front we have 43 mm Marzocchi forks with fully adjustable damping and pre-load. The rear features a Sachs monoshock – attached to the vertical cylinder at one end and the swingarm at the other – which allows for adjustment of spring pre-load and rebound damping.

Tyres and wheels

The SuperSport features alloy wheels, with three aggressive-looking Y-shaped spokes, measuring 3.50 x 17 at the front and 5.50 x 17 at the rear. The wheels mount the new Pirelli Diablo RossoÆ III tyres, 120/70 ZR 17 at the front and 180/55 ZR 17 at the rear. The Pirelli Diablo RossoÆ III – the direct successor of the Diablo RossoÆ II – gives even better sports handling and grip, raising road tyre performance to unprecedented levels. The Diablo Rosso III offers new profiles, latest- generation materials, innovative construction, new compounds and a tread pattern that stems directly from the DiabloÆ Supercorsa, ensuring maximum yet long-lasting performance in terms of safety, consistent response and grip (also in the wet).

2017 Ducati Supersport

Braking system

The SuperSport braking system is, in terms of technical content and visual impact, very similar to those seen on the highest-performing sports models. At the front, radial monobloc Brembo M4-32 calipers – powered by a Brembo PR18/1 radial pump with separate reservoir and adjustable lever – squeeze two 320 mm discs. At the rear the SuperSport has a 245 mm disc gripped by a 2-piston Brembo caliper. The Brembo system offers powerful braking with excellent linearity between the applied force and actual braking. This translates into ready responsiveness, giving first-rate ‘fingertip feel’. The braking system is controlled by the Bosch 9MP ABS system with 3 mappings.

Ducati Quick Shifter (DQS) up/down

Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down is a race-derived electronic system that lets riders up-change and down-change without using the clutch and without having to close the throttle to move up a gear. It consists of a two-way microswitch built into the linkage of the gear change lever; when actuated, it sends a signal to the ECU. The system works differently for upshifts and downshifts, integrating adjustment of spark advance and injection during upshifts with an auto-blipper function during downshifts. Extent and duration of system operation are designed to ensure seamless gear meshing under all riding conditions; during downshifts the system works in concert with the slipper clutch. Because upshifts can be made under full acceleration without using the clutch, precious fractions of a second that would otherwise be wasted in closing the throttle are gained: moreover, stability is improved as power delivery is absent for less time. Clutchless downshifting allows smooth gear engagement, letting riders focus their attention on braking and corner entry. This system not only enhances the thrill of sports riding: it also lends a welcome hand in city traffic or on winding roads requiring frequent gear changes. Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down is fitted as standard on the SuperSport S and is available as an accessory for the SuperSport.
Ducati Safety Pack (DSP)

The SuperSport features a Ducati Safety Pack (DSP) that includes Bosch 9MP ABS and Ducati Traction Control (DTC). Together, they intensify dynamic performance, optimise control and ensure safety levels that are among the highest on the market.

Bosch ABS System

The SuperSport mounts a Brembo braking system controlled by the 9MP Bosch ABS multi- calibration system with internal pressure sensor. Bosch 9MP ABS prevents wheel lock and rear wheel lift-up, shortening braking distances and enhancing stability. Three-level adjustment allows users to switch from one level to another by selecting the desired Riding Mode: this ensures settings are optimal whatever the riding conditions. Level 1 is recommended for high-grip surfaces. In this configuration the Bosch ABS provides track-type performance, acting on the front wheel only and disengaging the rear wheel anti-lift function; level 1 is not the default setting in any Riding Mode but riders can associate it with the Riding Mode of their choice by entering the specific menu. At level 2 the Bosch ABS also acts on the rear wheel and the anti-lift function is engaged. Maximum braking and rear wheel lift control is obtained by setting the system to level 3. The Bosch ABS system can be switched off in any Riding Mode and will stay off until the next Key-On. Factory settings can be restored with ease via the “default” option.

2017 Ducati Supersport

Ducati Traction Control (DTC)

The DTC detects and subsequently controls any wheelspin, enhancing both bike performance and active safety. DTC has eight profiles or “levels of sensitivity”. Each is programmed with a different wheelspin tolerance that corresponds to progressive levels of riding skill and/or grip conditions (classified from one to eight). Level 1 reduces system intervention to a minimum, while level 8 maximises sensitivity. The SuperSport has an optimised DTC software version. This ensures a fluid response by intervening on spark advance only, reducing torque until full rear end grip is re- established. While Ducati sets DTC levels for each of the three Riding Modes, they can be individually personalised and saved to satisfy riders’ specific needs. The DTC function can be switched off in any Riding Mode and will then stay off until the next Key-On. Factory settings can be restored with ease via the “default” option.

Ducati Riding Modes

Ducati Riding Modes let riders choose between different engine parameter and electronic control settings to adapt the bike to individual riding styles and different road conditions. The SuperSport has three Riding Modes – Sport, Touring and Urban – each of which acts on the electronic Ride-by- Wire system (to modify power and delivery), on Bosch ABS and DTC levels and on DQS up/down activation. Riding Mode can be changed on the move simply by pressing the relative key. Personalisation of factory-set Riding Mode parameters, however, can only be done with the bike at standstill for safety reasons. Factory settings can easily be restored at any time via the “default” option.

Touring – Touring Riding Mode ensures an exceptional balance between performance and comfort. The engine delivers full power (113 hp), the Ride-by-Wire system responds progressively to throttle twist, DTC is set to medium (level 4) and Bosch ABS to level 3 to ensure maximum braking control and stability. DQS is on.

Urban – Urban Riding Mode has been designed for surfaces which afford little grip. Power is limited to 75 hp, the Ride-by-Wire system responds progressively to throttle twist, DTC intervenes more assertively (level 6) while Bosch ABS is kept at its level 3 setting. DQS is off.

LCD Instrumentation

Lights on the upper section of the compact SuperSport instrument panel show neutral, high beam and DRL info; further warning lights highlight ABS status, DTC status, DTC intervention, engine error (MIL), rev limit, oil pressure and fuel reserve situations. The lower section, which shows all the other data, includes an LCD display dominated by a semicircular rpm graphic that frames the speedometer.

The LCD instrument panel is also ready to display info related to the Ducati Multimedia System (DMS); the latter lets riders connect their smartphones via the Bluetooth module (available as an accessory) and control some of its functions via the switchgears. The panel displays music player controls and earphone connection, incoming call and received message icons.

2017 Ducati Supersport S

Headlights and indicators

The SuperSport headlight is the result of in-depth design work aimed at reinforcing the styling ties with the Panigale superbike and making the motorcycle immediately recognisable on the road. The front headlight features LED Day Time Running Lights (DRL), to ensure riders stay seen during the day, and eye-catching design to reinforce the ‘family feel’ with the Panigale. High and low beam headlight parabolas are artfully concealed in the shadows of the DRL assembly. Tail lights, plate lights and the front indicators embedded in the rear-view mirrors are all of the LED type, while the bulb-lit rear indicators can be replaced with LED versions available as accessories.